Universal Credit for single disabled people

We worked with our advisers and other disability and health charities to identify areas where Universal Credit improves support for disabled people, has reduced support compared to the legacy system, and may generate unintended consequences as this group of people continue to move on to the new benefit.

We acknowledge that Universal Credit can have a positive impact on some single disabled people and those with health conditions:

Universal Credit provides a smoother journey into work by removing the transitions between benefits and removing cliff edges at 16 hours.

Universal Credit increases awards for some disabled people who are unable to work.

We also recognise that certain disabled people will be worse off, some by as much as £300 a month. We identify four principles that existed in the legacy system that the government should consider fully integrating into Universal Credit, to ensure the new benefit provides these people with enough money to live on:

Working people should receive additional in-work financial support if they are disabled or have a health condition.

People with Limited Capability for Work should be able to trial part-time work without facing a significant penalty in their benefit award.

People with Limited Capability for Work should get employment support which helps them move towards work and financial support which recognises how long they are likely to be out of work.

There should be targeted financial support available for disabled people who live alone without an adult carer.